Armless Pilot Announces Plan to Build Custom Airplane

• Jessica Cox is the world’s first armless pilot.

• Cox and a team of volunteers will build a custom airplane she can fly with just her feet.

• Cox says she is on a mission to prove that “disability does not mean inability.”

Jessica Cox is the world’s first armless pilot. With a team of volunteers, they will build a custom airplane she can fly with just her feet. (Photo courtesy Rightfooted Foundation)

Jessica Cox was born without arms and will soon begin building an airplane specifically designed for her to fly. Cox earned her Sport Pilot license in 2008 and received the Guinness World Record for being the first licensed armless pilot in history.

 At AirVenture last month, Cox announced she will lead a team to construct a custom airplane to make it easier for her to fly. Cox hopes the new design will allow her to travel further to advance her advocacy for disability inclusion and mentorship for children with limb differences.

“Normally, I’m stuck in a crisscross position when I fly,” describes Jessica. “It’s a lot like a crunch, so I can only hold that position for so long. It’s uncomfortable, but it gets the job done for local flights.”  

Cox plans to build an experimental airplane from a kit and modify the controls for her pilot seat. The aircraft she intends to use is an RV-10. The RV-10 is a four-seat airplane capable of flying more than 200 miles per hour, reach altitudes of 20,000 feet, and fly up to 1,000 miles on one tank of gas.

Cox is excited to take on this new endeavor. “I’m looking forward to what I can do with an experimental airplane. They open up a lot of possibilities for people with disabilities in aviation,” she says.

 She expects to face many challenges along the way, including upgrading to a private pilot license, passing special evaluations by the FAA, and designing the controls. Cox claims this will be the first time a plane has been built specifically for foot controls. Anyone with suggestions for the modification of this airplane, offers to volunteer, or make donations can visit www.jessicacox.com/project2025.

In 2005, Cox began speaking professionally as a motivational speaker. Since then, she has personally visited more than 25 countries and advocates for international disability rights as the Goodwill Ambassador for the NGO Humanity and Inclusion. In 2017, Cox became Executive Director of Rightfooted Foundation International, a nonprofit serving children with limb differences. She is also the first armless black belt in ATA Martial Arts, a certified scuba diver, licensed driver, surfer, and an award-winning speaker. More information can be found at www.JessicaCox.com.